Hong Kong historical sci-fi action feature Back to the Past is set to open in the UK and Ireland on 2 January 2026, two days after its Hong Kong domestic release on 31 December 2025, with release in the Netherlands to follow on 8 January 2026.
Back to the Past continues the story of the hit 2001 TVB television series A Step Into the Past, adapted from Wong Yi’s “Back to the Qin Dynasty”. The original series was the top- watched TVB drama of its year and remains widely regarded as a classic of Hong Kong television.
In the Qin Dynasty, time-traveller Hong Siu-lung (Louis Koo) has lived in seclusion with his family for twenty years. Yet every step he takes remains under the watchful eye of his former disciple, now the Qin Emperor (Raymond Lam). On the brink of ultimate power after conquering the six warring states, the emperor is suddenly ambushed by a mysterious team wielding advanced weapons clearly originating from Hong’s time. Drawn together by fate again, Hong and Qin Emperor are forced to confront the long-buried conflict between them, because the future now depends on how they settle their past.
Blast to the Past with Louis Koo has a TVB feel to it which isn’t a bad thing and so adds to the nostalgia factor and also reunites some of the cast members including Louis Koo (Twilight of the Warriors: Walled-In), Raymond Lam (Twilight of the Warriors: Walled-In), Jessica Hsuan (A Witness Out of the Blue), Sonija Kwok (The Sorcerer and the White Snake), Joyce Tang (Lost and Found), and Michelle Saram (Paradox), all reprising their original roles. While adding fresh faces with new cast members Bai Baihe (Monster Hunt), Michael Miu (The White Storm 2) and Louis Cheung (Table for Six franchise). It additionally marks the final screen appearance of the late Dick Liu Kai-chi (Infernal Affairs II).
There’s some nice action set pieces with a modern new tech bikes vs old wooden carts in a downhill gunfight but the scenes impresses because the legend that is Sammo Hung was action choreographer. Based on the book Back to the Qin Dynasty this New Year film (yes literally is see the alternate ending) is far from whimsical and it has at times some real bite along with some heartfelt scenes that make this a move you should go see.
Back to the Past is a blast, a film that hits all the right notes, an absolute joy, one of those films that you will revisit and no you don’t need to have seen the Tv series. Trinity Cineasia have once again knocked it out the park bringing you the latest releases so go support the film and watch it at your local cinema now. Check out the listing here for more details.
